2014 Toyota Corolla Scores “Marginal” In IIHS Small-Overlap Test

Corolla fails rigorous crash test.

The 2014 Toyota Corolla received a score of “Marginal,” the second-lowest rating, in small-overlap crash testing performed by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The Institute said in a statement that although the 2014 Toyota Corolla is still a Top Safety Pick, it will not receive the more impressive Top Safety Pick+ designation given to cars that score “Acceptable” or “Good” in the small-overlap test.

In the small-overlap crash, the IIHS said that the driver of a 2014 Toyota Corolla would likely sustain serious leg injuries. Moreover, because the steering wheel moved four inches to the right in the crash, the test dummy’s head “missed” the airbag and could have hit hard objects like the dashboard and A-pillar. The crash test is shown in the video embedded below.

Acing the small-overlap test and scoring a Top Safety Pick+ designation has become a badge of pride for most automakers. Toyota, however, has struggled with the new test. The Toyota Camry, Prius V, and RAV4 were all rated “Poor” in IIHS small-overlap testing. As a result, Toyota has said it will fast-track upgrades to improve the cars’ performance in the IIHS crash test. Such a move is not without precedent: the 2014 Honda Odyssey received several tweaks specifically so the minivan would pass the small-overlap test and receive a Top Safety Pick+ rating.

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